Cruise Cotterill
  • Artwork
  • Tips & Advice
  • Destinations
  • Cruise Lines
  • Blog
  • News
  • Shop

HARRY'S BLOG

Happy New Year, 2012!

31/12/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2012

2012 has now arrived here in the UK.

We would just like to take this opportunity to with you all our followers and fans across the world, a very Happy New Year!

We hope that 2012 is a wonderful year for you all and thank your for your continued support and interest in Dream Designs Colchester.

Picture

New Year 2012 Sale

Be sure to check out our New Year 2012 Sale, where you simply have to just Place An Order before January 31st 2012, to SAVE UP TO 10%.
Picture
ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk     
0 Comments

Thrilled by Freedom's frame!

29/12/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Master of Freedom of the Seas, Captain Rob Hempstead
Earlier this month, you may remember we received an email from the Master of Freedom of the Seas, Captain Rob Hempstead, in response to our especially assigned drawing of the vessel, which was presented aboard in October 2011, by our wonderful Volunteers @ Sea, Sue & Shelia.

Unfortunately due to a serve storm and rough seas, the Captain was extremly busy during their cruise and on this ocasion an official drawing presentation was not possible. 

However, Sue & Shelia were lucky enough to meet with the Hotel Director aboard Freedom of the Seas, who passed on our drawing to Captain Rob Hempstead. 

In his original email the Master of Freedom of the Seas, Captain Rob Hempstead, said: 

" Your generosity and thoughtfulness is amazing and I am honored and humbled to have received this special gift from you. I have since had the drawing professionally framed, which I received back from the frame shop just a few days ago, and it looks fantastic. "

He added: 

" It was an unusual job for this frame shop to do such a long (7 feet) framing so it took a while longer than normal.  I will try to find a place on board to have it displayed if at all possible.  Getting it back to the ship will be a delicate operation as well, as now that it is framed it is quite fragile.  Since we no longer have an art auctioneer on board the ability to have had it framed onboard was not an option." 
Picture
Our especially assigned drawing of Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas, which was presented aboard the vessel on our behalf by our Volunteers @ Sea, Sue & Shelia during their Caribbean cruise in October 2011
We later replied to Captain Rob Hempstead's email and asked if he would be kind enough to send us a photograph of our especially assigned drawing in its frame, so that we could share it with you. On Christmas Day we received another email from the Captain and attached was a truly spectacular photograph of our drawing in its frame!
In his latest email, Master of Freedom of the Seas, Captain Rob Hempstead, said:

" It is currently hanging downstairs in my home, but my plan is to try and get it to the ship. Not an easy task as it is quite large and fragile. I am soon to sign back aboard Freedom of the Seas son once back aboard I will see about finding a suitable spot for it. "
Picture
Master of Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas, Captain Rob Hempstead, with our especially assigned drawing of the vessel which he has had professionally framed and is currently displayed in his home
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" It was such a lovely surprise to receive an email from the Captain, with a photograph of my drawing attached on Christmas Day. The frame is splendid and it certainly makes the drawing look even more impressive! "

He added:

" I do hope that Captain Rob Hempstead will find a suitable location on board Freedom of the Seas to display the drawing, when he joins the ship again shortly."
ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk    
0 Comments

Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna, set sail aboard Oceana

27/12/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna on the bridge of P&O Cruises' Aurora
Today, Tuesday 27th December 2011, our honourable Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna are due to embark aboard P&O Cruises' Oceana, before setting sail on their 12 night cruise aboard the vessel.

Ernie & Edna have kindly agreed to present our especially assigned drawing of Oceana to the Captain of the vessel on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester.

Ernie & Edna have played a vital part in Dream Designs Colchester, after presenting drawings aboard P&O Cruises' Aurora and Arcadia too!

As before,both  aboard Aurora and Arcadia, P&O Cruises have been extremely helpful and have done their very best once again to arrange for our Volunteers @ Sea to meet with the Master of the vessel to officially present the especially drawing of Oceana.
Picture
Our especially assigned drawing of P&O Cruises' Oceana, which is due to be present to the Captain of the vessel on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester by our honourable Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Enda during their New Year cruise aboard the vessel
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" Today is a special day for Dream Designs Colchester as yet another of our latest especially assigned drawings is taken aboard on our behalf, where it is planned to be presented to the Captain."

He added:

" I would like to take this opportunity to wish our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna and their daughter Marion a truly wonderful forthcoming New Year. Bon Voyage! "
ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk   
0 Comments

Merry Christmas!

25/12/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Merry Christmas 
from everyone at 
Dream Designs Colchester


We do hope each and everyone of you have a wonderful time during this festive season.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and interest in Dream Designs Colchester.


Picture
ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk  
0 Comments

Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna receive Oceana drawing

23/12/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
P&O Cruises' Oceana at sea
Earlier today, Friday 23rd December 2011, our especially assigned drawing of P&O Cruises' Oceana was officially handed over to our honourable Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and his parents, Brian & Diane Cotterill, met with Ernie & Edna at their home in Colchester.

Whilst meeting with our Volunteers @ Sea, Harry Cotterill also had the opportunity to speak with Ernie & Edna's daughter, Marion Wilson, via the telephone. Marion also took the time to send us the comment below.

Marion Wilson, daughter of our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna, said:

Please note a comment is due to be be added later. Please check back soon. Thank you!
Marion joined our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna last December aboard P&O Cruises' Aurora, for their 23 night Christmas Caribbean cruise. They were lucky enough to be invited to the navigation bridge personally and meet with Captain David Pembridge to officially present our especially assigned drawing.
Picture
Master of P&O Cruises' Aurora, Captain David Pembridge meets with our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Enda and their daughter Marion Wilson on the bridge of Aurora during their 23 night Christmas Caribbean Cruise in December 2010 after officially presenting our especially assigned drawing of the vessel
Ernie & Edna will board Oceana in Southampton on Decemeber 27th 2011, before spending 12 nights aboard the vessel. Whilst on board they are due to meet with the Captain of the vessel to officially presented our especially assigned drawing of Oceana on our behalf.
Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and his mother, Diane Cotterill take the opportunity to have a photograph taken with our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna, before officially handing over the drawing to them
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" It was a pleasure for my parents and I to meet with Ernie & Edna again today to officially hand over my especially assigned drawing of P&O Cruises' beautiful Oceana."

He added:

" It was great to also have the chance to speak with their daughter, Marion on the phone. I am sure they will all have a truly magnifcent time aboard Oceana and look forward to hearing from them upon their return in the New Year. "
ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk  
0 Comments

Flagship drawing arrives after Atlantic voyage

21/12/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas at sea
Today, Wednesday 21st December 2011, our especially assigned drawing of Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas, completed it's journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

Daniel Blossom, who is a keen follower of Dream Designs Colchester is due to officially present the drawing aboard Oasis of the Seas in January 2012, during his 7 night Caribbean cruise aboard the vessel.

Our especially assigned drawing of Oasis of the Seas, in one of three drawings, the other two being Holland America Line's Oosterdam and P&O Cruises Austrialia's Pacific Dawn all of which are due to be presented aboard the particular vessels on our behalf in January 2012.

Picture
Our especially assigned drawing of Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas, which is due to be presented to the Master of the vessel on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester in January 2012, by Daniel Blossom
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" I was very pleased to hear from Daniel Blossom earlier today and hear that our 'flagship' drawing of Royal Caribbean Internationals Oasis of the Seas had arrived safely after it's voyage across the Atlantic Ocean."

He added:

" At present we have still not received a response from Royal Caribbean International about our plans for the official drawing presentation to take place aboard the vessel. However I can assure you, I will do my very best to arrange for the drawing to be officially presented to the Master of the vessel. We shall of course keep you updated on this matter, either via Our Blog, Facebook, or Twitter. "
ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk 
0 Comments

Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna to officially present Oceana drawing to Captain

19/12/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
P&O Cruises' Oceana at sea
Dream Designs Colchester are delighted to be able annouce to you, our latest plans for our next official drawing presentation, which is set to take place aboard P&O Cruises' Oceana.

In November 2011, our wonderful Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Enda, who live in Colchester informed us that they had booked a last minute cruise aboard Oceana, to celebrate the New Year!

They asked if it would be possible for us to especially assign a brand new drawing of P&O Cruises' Oceana and give them the opportunity to present it to the Captain on our behalf. We were of course delighted to offer them such an opportunity!

Ernie & Edna are due to board Oceana in Southampton on December 27th 2011, before spending 12 nights aboard the vessel.

Dream Designs Colchester has had a close connection with P&O Cruises for a number of years. In April 2008 we were invited to visit the then newly built Ventura, by Nigel Esdale, then Managing Director, P&O Cruises. We followed the construction of the ship closely and were honoured to be given the opportunity to visit the vessel whilst docked in Southampton, just days before she was officially named by Dame Helen Mirren.

Later in August 2008, Dream Designs Colchester met with Nigel Esdale, then Managing Director, P&O Cruises, where we were given an insight to the plans for Azura, which joined the P&O Cruises fleet in 2010.
Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and his school friend Ryan Stansfield photographed during their visit to P&O Cruises' Ventura in April 2008
In April 2010 Dream Designs Colchester had the pleasure of being invited to the Naming Ceremony of Azura. Whilst onboard the vessel Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester was given the opportunity to present his drawing of Azura to Carol Marlow, Managing Director, P&O Cruises.
Picture
Right to Left: Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, present his drawing of Azura to Carol Marlow, Managing Director, P&O Cruises, at the Naming Ceremony of the new ship, joined by his father Brian Cotterill
In December 2010, our honourable Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna, kindly agreed to present our especially assigned drawing of P&O Cruises’ Aurora to Captain David Pembridge, on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester during their 23 night Christmas Caribbean cruise aboard the vessel.
Picture
Captain of P&O Cruises’ Aurora, David Pembridge (right) invites our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna to the bridge during their Christmas Caribbean cruise in December 2010, to officially present our especially assigned drawing of the ship
Later in August 2010, Ernie & Edna spent 13 nights aboard P&O Cruises' Arcadia, during their around Britain & Ireland cruise. Whilst on board the vessel they had the opportunity to meet with the Master of the vessel, Captain Peter Philpott, where they officially presented our especially assigned drawing of Arcadia on the navigation bridge. 

Captain Peter Phillpot was so very impressed with our especially assigned drawing that it is now premantley displayed aboard Arcadia!
Picture
Our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna officially present our drawing of P&O Cruises' Arcadia to the Master of the vessel, Captain Peter Philpott, on the bridge of the vessel during their 13 night 'Around Britain' cruise in August 2011
We have recently been in contacted with P&O Cruises and discussed with them our plans for this latest drawing presentation. They have again been kind enough to contact the Captain of the vessel and hopefully Ernie & Edna will again be invited to the navigation bridge to officially present our drawing!

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, will be meeting with Ernie & Edna later this week to hand over his especially assigned drawing of Oceana and inform them of the details of their latest quest!
Picture
Our especially assigned drawing of P&O Cruises' Oceana, which is due to be present to the Captain of the vessel on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester by our honourable Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Enda during their New Year cruise aboard the vessel
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" We are honoured that P&O Cruises have again done their best arrange for Ernie & Enda to meet with the Captain of Oceana during their cruise aboard the vessel to officially present our especially assigned drawing on our behalf. "

He added:

" I am very much looking forward to meeting with Ernie & Edna later this week to hand over my drawing of Oceana and discuss with them the details of this latest drawing presentation in person."
ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
0 Comments

Safe and sound in Seattle

15/12/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Holland America Line's Oosterdam at sea
At Dream Designs Colchester we are delighted to have this opportunity to share with you yet more great news!

Yesterday, Thursday 15th December 2011 we received news from our Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn that our especially assigned drawing of Holland America Line's Oosterdam had successfully arrived at their home in Seattle.

The drawing was especially assigned in November 2011 after John & Marilyn kindly offered to present our drawing to the Master of the vessel on our behalf during their cruise aboard in January 2012.

Our drawing of Oosterdam will be the third drawing which John & Marilyn have presented on our behalf, after presenting our especially assigned drawings aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star.
Picture
Our especially assigned drawing of Holland America Line's Oosterdam which is due to be presented to the Master of the vessel on our behalf by our Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn during their cruise aboard the vessel in January 2012
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" We are truly delighted that our Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn are to present yet another especially assigned drawings on our behalf, particularly after the success of the drawing presentations aboard Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star earlier this year."
ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk 
0 Comments

An Australian arrival

14/12/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
P&O Cruises Australia's Pacific Dawn
Yesterday, Tuesday 13th December 2011, we received some great news, as we were informed that our especially assigned drawing of P&O Cruises Australia's Pacific Dawn had arrived safely in Australia, after the journey of more than 10,000 miles.

The drawing was especially assigned in November 2011 when Bradley Yesberg, a keen follower of Dream Designs Colchester contacted us to ask if it would be possible for him to be given the opportunity to present a drawing of Pacific Dawn to the Captain of the vessel on our behalf during his planned cruise aboard the vessel in January 2012.

Bradley Yesberg, said:

" Thanks again for allowing me to be able to present this drawing on your behalf. It gives me great pleasure to be able to pass on the drawing of Pacific Dawn to the master aboard. "
Picture
Our especially assigned drawing of P&O Cruises Australia's Pacific Dawn, photographed by Bradley Yesberg at his home in Queensland, Australia after completing its journey of more than 10,000 miles from the United Kingdom
Earlier this month we took the opportunity to contact P&O Cruises Australia, to discuss with them the possibility of arranging for Bradley to meet with the Captain aboard Pacific Dawn to officially present our especially assigned drawing of the vessel on our behalf. At present we are still awaiting a reply.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" It was marvelous to be informed that our especially assigned drawing of Pacific Dawn had safely completed her journey of more than 10,000 miles to Australia. "
ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
0 Comments

Recognition from Royal Caribbean Captain

12/12/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas in Southampton in 2006
Last week we received a truly wonderful email, from the Master of Freedom of the Seas, Captain Rob Hempstead.

His email was in response to our especially assigned drawing of Freedom of the Seas, which our Volunteers @ Sea, Sue & Shelia took aboard with them during their annual family cruise in October 2011.

It was hoped that Sue & Shelia would  have the opportunity to meet with Captain Rob Hempstead to present the drawing on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester. 

Unfortunately due to a serve storm and rough seas, the Captain was extremly busy during their cruise and on this ocassion an official drawing presentation was not possible. However, Sue & Shelia were lucky enough to meet with the Hotel Director aboard Freedom of the Seas, who passed on our drawing to Captain Rob Hempstead.
Picture
Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas under construction in the dry dock at the shipyard in Turku, Finland in 2005
In his emailed the Master of Freedom of the Seas, Captain Rob Hempstead, wrote: 

" Your generosity and thoughtfulness is amazing and I am honored and humbled to have received this special gift from you. I have since had the drawing professionally framed, which I received back from the frame shop just a few days ago, and it looks fantastic. "

He added: 

" It was an unusual job for this frame shop to do such a long (7 feet) framing so it took a while longer than normal.  I will try to find a place on board to have it displayed if at all possible.  Getting it back to the ship will be a delicate operation as well, as now that it is framed it is quite fragile.  Since we no longer have an art auctioneer on board the ability to have had it framed onboard was not an option."
Picture
Our especially assigned drawing of Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas, which was presented to Captain Rob Hempstead in October 2011 by our Volunteers @ Sea, Sue & Shelia during their annual family cruise
We have since replied to the email which Captain Rob Hempstead sent us and have asked if he would be kind enough to send us some photographs of our drawing, both for ourselves and of course to share with you too!
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" It was a really wonderful surprise to receive the email from Captain Rob Hempstead last week, in repsone to our drawing of Freedom of the Seas which was presented to him in October 2011."


He added:

" I was absolutely delighted to read how pleased the Captain was with our drawing and further more that he was kind enough to have our drawing professionally framed! "
ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Harry Cotterill

    Harry Cotterill set up his blog when he was just 16-years old, making him one of the youngest cruise bloggers in the world. In later years he became known across the world for his amazing talent of drawing cruise ships!


    Blog Archive

    July 2023
    February 2019
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010

 

home

about us

CONTACT

 

cookie policy

Site Map

ARTWORK
Meet The Artist
Commission The Artist
Gallery
Limited Edition Prints
Presentations
Testimonials
Artwork FAQ
TIPS & ADVICE
Featured Cruise Ships
Featured Cruise Lines
First Time Cruisers
Top Cruise Tips
Money Saving
Cruise Q&A
Fact File
Cruise Blog
DESTINATIONS
​Africa
Alaska
Antarctica
Asia
Australasia
Baltic Sea
Canada
Caribbean
Europe
Mediterranean
Middle East
Norway
Panama Canal
South America
​USA

Cruise Industry Awards

Picture
Picture
Picture

CRUISE LINES

AIDA Cruises
Ambassador Cruise Line
Azamara Club Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Costa
Cunard
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Hebridean Island Cruises
Holland America Line
Marella Cruises
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
P&O Cruises
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean International
Saga
Seabourn
Swan Hellenic
​Virgin Voyages
Viking
Voyages To Antiquity
​BLOGS
Cruise Blog
Cruise News
​Harry's Blog


​SHOP
Cruise Points
Cruise Points FAQ
Terms & Conditions

Social Media

Picture
Picture
 ​​Copyright © 2010 - 2023 Cruise Cotterill
Website Last Updated: 13 August 2023 at 14:35 GMT
  • Artwork
  • Tips & Advice
  • Destinations
  • Cruise Lines
  • Blog
  • News
  • Shop